Officer Leadership Program (OLP)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Traffic Injury Control Programs, in partnership with the National Sheriffs' Association, sponsors a cooperative program for law enforcement agencies whereby an agency can send an officer to Washington, D.C. for a one-year assignment. These officers help develop state-of-the-art resource materials and work to improve enforcement strategies and training programs on a wide range of traffic safety initiatives. Traffic safety is enhanced when officers review and play an active role in the development of national initiatives. In addition, officers return to their agency with a better understanding of the traffic safety programs of NHTSA and the Federal Highway Administration, as well as the federal contract and grant processes and how to respond to requests for proposals. Officers also gain national exposure, network with highway safety professionals on the federal, state, and local levels, and bring recognition to their agency.

The Officer Leadership Program is open to active, full-time law enforcement officers who have a strong interest in traffic safety. Preferably but not required, the officer should have five or more years of service at the rank of Sergeant or Lieutenant with supervisory traffic experience. Officers should be self-starters, upwardly mobile, have excellent writing and presentation skills for communicating with law enforcement and highway safety administrators at national meetings, and possess other specialized law enforcement skills appropriate for specific assignments.

Individuals seeking consideration for the program must submit a letter of endorsement from their Sheriff or managing supervisor. Relocation to the Washington, D.C. area and extensive travel are required. The officer's regular salary and benefits are the responsibility of the home agency while the federal government pays the federally-established rate for housing and daily per diem in Washington, D.C., as well as for expenses associated with official travel duty.

Officers who have participated in the NHTSA/NSA Officer Leadership Program contend that the opportunity provided a unique learning experience and has been a career highlight.